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Today on Current State: the “State of the State Survey” quarterly report findings; part two of our look at Michigan in the Civil War; a garden filled with native Michigan plants; MSU carillon concert season and a review of author Steve Hamilton’s latest book.

According to the latest Michigan State University 'State of the State Survey' findings, Michigan residents are wary of government at all levels. Survey director Dr. Charles Ballard and University of Michigan Public Policy Survey director Dr. Tom Ivacko say state residents have more trust in local government 'most of the time' than they do in the state and federal governments.

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the U.S. Civil War. The MSU Museum is observing Michigan's involvement in the conflict between North and South. Roger Rosentreter, professor of history at Michigan State University, discusses the exhibit, "Michigan and the Civil War."

Cheryl English's yard in Detroit's East English Village stands out from the city's urban landscape like a green thumb. A gardening masterpiece, English uses many native plants, not only because of their beauty but because of their environmental benefits and crucial connection to Michigan's ecosystem.

As summer gets into full swing, the sound of Michigan State University’s iconic Beaumont Tower sound can be hear all over campus. This week, the MSU Summer Carillon Series begins and continues each Wednesday in July. Carilloneur Ray McLellan describes the unique instrument responsible for the tower’s signature sound.

Lansing-based writer Scott Southard chose as his first book review, Let It Burn, by Steve Hamilton.

I am a book nerd and what that means is I love to get in debates with fellow readers and writers.

These are not the merely “did you or did you not like a book” discussions. No, these can be deeper, getting into the heart and state of our beloved artform today. And one of the points I like to bring up from time to time is the influence of TV on books.